McHenry County Planit 10: 'Dracula' at Opera House and a slew of Halloween festivities

By NORTHWEST HERALD

Oct. 26, 2017

Looking for something to do? We have 10 suggestions.

“DRACULA” – WITH STORYTELLER MEGAN WELLS

WHEN: 8 p.m. Oct. 28

WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock

COST and INFO: Experience the emotional thrill of Bram Stoker’s Gothic masterpiece in this elegantly horrific one-woman show by resident storyteller Megan Wells. With depth and charisma, Wells brings the monster to life as you have never experienced him before. Presented by Jim May and Nippersink Stories. This program is recommended for adults and young adults. Tickets: $26 adults, $21 students. Tickets and information: 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

[Photo provided by Luke Pline]

JEFF DANIELS

WHEN: 8 p.m. Oct. 27

WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 126 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock

COST and INFO: Emmy Award-winner and accomplished musician with his son’s band, the Ben Daniels Band, will perform an evening of folk Americana music. Tickets: $45 regular admission; $75 VIP includes premium seating and meet and greet with the band. Tickets and information: 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

WITCHES, BOOS AND BREWS FEST ON BENTON STREET

WHEN: Noon Oct. 28 to 2 a.m. Oct. 29

WHERE: Benton Street, Woodstock

COST and INFO: An all-day outdoor Halloween festival featuring live music, beer, costume contests and more under heated tents. Bands include Semple Band (above), Jimmy Nick and Don’t Tell Mama, DJ/Drum Duo Marc Esses and DJ New Vintage and more. For ages 21 and older. Presented by D.C. Cobb’s, Benton Street Tap and Main Street PourHouse. Information: www.dccobbs.net or find the event on Facebook.

[Photo provided courtesy of Kenny Chmielewski]

“4TH FRIDAYS” AT THE STARLINE

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 27

WHERE: The Starline Factory, 300 W. Front St., Harvard

COST and INFO: A monthly art event held in a beautifully renovated, historic factory with a juried mixed art exhibit, photo contest, featured solo artist exhibit, open artist studios, people’s choice voting and live music. The “Grand Finale for 2017,” the Oct. 27 event will include a suggested dress theme of any fashion statement between the years 1959 to 1972 (Motown years, but it doesn’t have to be Motown fashion, just the era of dress). Cost: $10 cover at the door, free for children ages 17 and younger when accompanied by an adult. Information: 815-347-8535, nancy@nancymerkling.com or www.nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays-at-the-starline.

SPOOKTACULAR SKATE

WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 29

WHERE: Crystal Ice House, 320 E. Prairie St., Crystal Lake

COST and INFO: Come skate to the tunes from the underworld. Costume contest with prizes. Admission: $6. Skate rental: $2. Bring a nonperishable food item for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and receive $1 off admission. Information: 815-356-8500 or www.crystalicehouse.com.

“TRUNK-OR-TREAT” AT THE McHENRY OUTDOOR THEATER

WHEN: 6 p.m. Oct. 27 and Oct. 28

WHERE: McHenry Outdoor Theater – Golden Age Cinemas, 1510 N. Chapel Hill Road, McHenry
COST and INFO: Bring children dressed in their Halloween costumes to “trunk-or-treat” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. from the vehicles of local businesses. At 7:30 p.m. will be a double-feature of “Hotel Transylvania” and “Hotel Transylvania 2” (above). Children dressed in costume will receive a free popcorn at the concession stand. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 11 and younger, seniors and military members. Information: Find McHenry Outdoor Theater on Facebook.

HALLOWEEN AT THE Y

WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 27

WHERE: YMCA, 701 Manor Road, Crystal Lake

COST and INFO: A fun-filled event for the family. Come in costume for games, crafts, Halloween stories, costume contest, bonfire, snacks and more presented by Mercyhealth. Star 105.5 will be there live. Bring a canned food item for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Free. Information: 815-526-1630 or www.sageymca.org.

HORSING AROUND FOR HALLOWEEN

WHEN: 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 29

WHERE: The Ranch of Hope Reins, 45W107 Dietrich Road, Hampshire

COST and INFO: Have you ever seen horses dressed as super heroes or ballerinas? Come and meet horses dressed up as they parade around The Ranch. Activities include crafts, pumpkin-decorating contest, games, treats, costume contest, face painting and bounce house. Free. Information: 847-612-4309 or www.eventbrite.com/e/horsing-around-for-halloween-tickets-39019439193.

"DRACULA" MOVIE FUNDRAISER

WHEN: 4 p.m. Oct. 29

WHERE: Classic Cinemas – Woodstock Theatre, 209 Main St., Woodstock

COST and INFO: A showing of the classic “Dracula,” released in 1931, as a benefit for Friends of the Opera House. Tickets: $10. Tickets and information: www.classiccinemas.com or 815-338-8555.

[Photo provided]

CELTIC NEW YEAR/HALLOWEEN CONCERT

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27

WHERE: Stage Left Café, 125 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock

COST and INFO: Featuring folk duos February Sky (above) with Joe LaMay and Sherrie Reese. A concert honoring the ancestors and the turning of the year. Costumes encouraged, but not required. Suggested donation: $15. Information: 815-337-1395 or www.offsquaremusic.org.